Answer to Questions About Back-Up Accident Claims in Georgia

Many people underestimate the frequency and risk posed by motor vehicles that are backing up, but these types of collisions can be fatal for small children. While any vehicle blind spot is dangerous because it limits a driver's ability to perceive and respond to hazards, blind spots behind the rear of a vehicle are particularly problematic. Most motorists only think about blind spots adjacent to a motor vehicle, but those blind spots can at least be visually checked if a driver turns and looks through the windows of the vehicle. Blind spots directly behind a vehicle cannot be checked either by turning and looking or through the use of a mirror. The popularity of lifted trucks and SUVs with larger rear blind spots has only increased the danger to small children. In this blog article, our experienced Atlanta auto collision lawyers have provided answers to common questions about back-up accidents.

How common are back up accidents?

There are an estimated 18,000 people injured in such accidents annually and almost 300 fatalities according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These back-up accidents occur most typically when vehicles are backing out of driveways or parking spaces. But these accidents also occur when motorists are driving in reverse on public roads.

What constitutes a "back-up accident"?

Back-up accidents are collisions that occur when a driver is backing a vehicle and cannot see a pedestrian, bicyclist, or object behind the vehicle. These types of collisions commonly occur when vehicles are backing out of driveways in residential areas but can occur in other settings.

Do these types of accidents cause significant injuries?

There is a common misconception that backup accidents cannot result in serious injury as they normally occur at slow rates of speed. However, this assumption is inaccurate because the victims of back-up accidents are usually pedestrians and bicyclists who have virtually no protection from injury during a collision with a motor vehicle. Even collisions at low rates of speed can result in permanent debilitating injuries when thousands of pounds of steel collide with someone who does not have the protection that a motor vehicle provides to occupants.

Does the type of motor vehicle affect the probability of a back-over accident occurring?

SUVs and pickup trucks pose a greater danger when backing up because the vehicles are higher off the ground. The fact that drivers are seated higher in the vehicle means that the area where there is no visibility behind the vehicle is larger. This blind spot is even larger if the driver is shorter in stature, or when the vehicle has a lift kit installed so that the passenger compartment sits higher off the ground.

Call Us 24 Hours a Day / 7 Days a Week For Your Free Case Review

Our experienced Atlanta accident attorneys tenaciously strive to obtain the fullest compensation under the law for personal injury and wrongful death victims. Montlick and Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout Georgia and in the Southeast for over thirty-two years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

Free Case Review No matter where you are located, our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

Auto Accident Checklist

What we're doing in our community

Please Note:Many of our blog articles discuss the law. All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different, and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.